An Open Door

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.

Joel 2:12 (ESV)

After graduating from college, Jerome decided to leave home. He wanted to live life to the fullest and discover new horizons. For him, living with his parents was like a prison. He no longer wanted to live by their principles and rules; he didn't feel sufficiently loved or appreciated. After a while, he was disappointed by what he found. When he called his father, he was surprised to hear him say that he was waiting for him and that it was time for him to return home.

We can always move away from God, but He will never stop waiting for us and encouraging us to return to Him. He loves us and will always forgive our sins. Even though the prophet's message was addressed to the Jews of the Old Testament because they had abandoned the way of the Lord and turned to other gods, it remains the same today. In our case, God did much more than give laws; He gave His Son as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. This is a fact that no one can ignore.

If, in Old Testament times, the relationship of the Jews with God depended on their obedience to His laws and the oracles of the prophets, today it depends on our faith in Jesus Christ. You may have voluntarily distanced yourself from God, feeling unworthy because of your disobedience. He will not abandon you. He will always wait for you. Return to Him, open your heart, and confess your sins, even if it requires days of fasting, weeping, and mourning. God will willingly forgive you if you turn to Him with all your heart.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.